Cost of Living in O'Brien County, Iowa
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How O'Brien County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
O'Brien County ranks #468 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 15%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in O'Brien County, Iowa
O'Brien County maintains national affordability norms
O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of income on housing, sitting solidly within the national affordability comfort zone below 15%. With median household income of $68,216 just slightly below the national average of $74,755, residents enjoy reasonable financial flexibility for housing costs.
Slightly above Iowa's state average
O'Brien County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% edges above Iowa's state average of 14.1%, placing it just above the state median for affordability. Renters pay $770 monthly—$42 below the state median rent of $812—keeping housing costs competitive statewide.
Solid mid-tier option regionally
O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of income on $770 rent, placing it in the region's more affordable tier—better than Monona County (15.2%) and Muscatine County (16.7%), though slightly higher than top-performing Mills County (12.1%). It represents a reliable, middle-ground option for cost-conscious relocators.
Modest homeownership advantage
O'Brien County renters spend 13.6% of their $68,216 income on $770 monthly rent, while homebuyers invest $834 monthly on properties worth $158,900. Homeownership costs roughly $64 more per month, making rental more affordable in the short term, though ownership builds equity over time.
Balanced county for relocation planning
O'Brien County delivers straightforward affordability: moderate rents, moderate incomes, and balanced housing options without extreme pressures. If you're relocating to Iowa and want to avoid either extreme affordability challenges or outlying costs, O'Brien provides a stable, predictable housing market.
Cost of Living Advisory: O'Brien County
Affordability Verdict
O'Brien County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $770/month — about 13.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in O'Brien County is $770/month, while owner costs run $834/month. Renting saves approximately $64/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,743/year. With a median household income of $68,216, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in O'Brien County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Iowa, O'Brien County is less affordable than Mahaska County by roughly 6% ($770/mo vs $821/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in O'Brien County
Rent Burden
13.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,592
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in O'Brien County
Median home value is $158,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,269 vs. your max of $1,592.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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